Just an update on using low glycemic fruits instead of candy/chocolate/etc. when my sweet tooth kicks in. It's going pretty well! Apples, pears, and clementines have been my go-to this week. It definitely helps take the edge off the mid-afternoon sugar cravings. I am also using H2Orange where I fill up a Nalgene bottle with water and add about 4 oz. of OJ. This helps me with hydration and the little bit of OJ takes the edge off wanting something sweet. It also helps me regulate my blood sugar and avoid headaches. I am religious with the H2Orange!

@Shelby Davis I definitely would not consider myself "young" although, there are a lot of young people at OTF. However, there are several middle aged folks like myself, and several more in their 60s and 70s. I love that you can do what you are capable of in the workouts, and that is great. For example, an older lady last night was doing the step ups on the aerobic steps without any weights, but I was using 15 pounds in each hand, while the guy next to me was using like 35 pound weights. On the treadmill, I usually jog while lots of folks run really fast, and some people walk. So, there is a lot of variability.

i joined Orange Theory Fitness last year and really love it. The variety of workouts is awesome (no two days are ever close to the same) and we get cardio on the treadmill and rower, and a great weight workout (which is also pretty aerobic) on the weight floor. The good news is, you rotate through those three "stations" each time, so even if you are not doing something you love, you know it won't last forever!

@Leanne Jones That's a really good "cheat" idea. I love hot chocolate :-) I tend to crave sweets twice a day: at work in the afternoon (after lunch) and again after dinner. I'm going to try and replace sweets with low-glycemic fruit (apples, strawberries, pears, etc.) and see if that will do the trick. I also read an article that recommended a green smoothie (with fruits and dark green veggies) instead of sweets, so I may give that a try as well.

Will do, my friend!

P.S. Sad to say I'll miss you in Orange Beach . . . headed to Tampa for the women's basketball Final Four and SHAPE America convention.

Hey! So, not even a cheat day on the weekends for dessert? Do you crave sugar at all anymore? I definitely want to know more because I feel like this is my downfall. Not just the "obvious" sugars (i.e. cupcakes) but the less obvious ones like white starchy foods. As for clean eating, I do like fish, but I never cook it at home (only order it in restaurants). But, I can change that! What are some of your fish faves to prepare at home? I like ground turkey as well, and veggies. The microwavable/steam-able kind are a lifesaver!!!

Kennesaw, GA